ONE of Staffordshire Moorlands premier shows somersaulted into a day of great success on Saturday.

Perfect weather conditions and an amazing main ring attraction contributed to 63rd Ipstones Agricultural show being enjoyed by thousands of visitors.

The Kangaroos Gymnastic Display Team, who are recognised as one of the leading gymnastic teams in Europe and one of the top indoor and outdoor arena acts performed two star quality performances to the joy of spectators.

The team has performed at Wembley Stadium and on television including Blue Peter. They have also performed in front of the Queen and at many other high profile events.

During their second display members of the team double somersaulted over a 4x4 vehicle.

The day began with a parade of floats and queens' led by the Staffordshire Moorlands Youth Band from the fire station in Froghall Road to the showground off Church Lane where the show was officially opened by Mr Humphrey Scott-Moncrieff.

Mr Scott-Moncrieff said: "These sorts of events are slowly eroding, so it is good to see people are prepared to see them carry on and also give up their time.

"These events are the fabric of village life and bring the community together. They also raise money for charity."

Following the official opening Mrs Judy Scott-Moncrieff crowned the new 2013/14 agricultural queen Lydia Cartwright.

Following the crowning ceremony Lydia, 12, said: "I would like to thank the agricultural committee for giving me this opportunity. Today is special for me. I would also like to thank my family and my retinue for their help."

Retiring queen, Lucy Wallet then announced that she had raised £2,814.69 during her year in office.

Lucy said: "I have had a fantastic year as Ipstones Queen and I would like to thank the agricultural committee for giving me the opportunity.

"My retinue and I have enjoyed attending competitions and have been very successful, winning many trophies. We have held lots of fundraising events throughout the year, including a grocery bingo, pig race and a cake decorating evening. We have raised £2814.69. I would like to thank everyone who has supported my fundraising events."

Supporting the Kangaroos display team with main ring entertainment were Ipstones schoolchildren with a dancing display; Staffordshire Moorlands Youth Band; classic car display and a grand parade of livestock.

In the livestock section, the Supreme Champion was won by Bar-M Jerseys of Penkridge near Stafford. The Reserve Champion was awarded to the Belfield family of Sheen.

The Supreme Beef Championship cup was won by the Belfield family and the Reserve Champion went to the Spooner family from Upper Hulme near Leek.

The heavy horse section attracted a very strong entry with entries from all over the country.

The Supreme Champion was won by T J Yates of Belper, whose wonderful animal is going to the Shire Horse of the Year Show. Reserve Champion was John Worthington of Cheshire.

The champion sheep award went to D Clamp from Swadlincote and the best goat in show went to K & J Bailey of Werrington.

Also featured around the showground were many trade stands, a classic car display, craft tent, dog show and gymkhana.

New to this year's event was the Henmore Poultry marquee and a fashion show which was held in the Memorial Hall.

The horticultural section again attracted a high quality entry.

Best in show title went to Ellen Poole with her flower arrangement inside a picture frame, while most points in the flower and veg section went to Dave Lowndes.

Organiser of the horticultural section, George Phillips, said: "Again we have had good high quality entries in all of the classes. The floral art entries have been very good and the judges said the flowers were some of the best they had seen at shows this year."

Show chairman, Graham Watkins, said "We have had an excellent show. The livestock entries were up and the weather has been very good. We are also very pleased with the turnout of people attending. I would like to thank sponsors, judges, exhibitors and everyone who has helped to make the show a success."

In the visiting queen awards Cheddleton Carnival Queen Leann Nixon and her retinue took home five first awards, two seconds and a third.

Leek Moorlands Queen, Kia Young, and retinue won the best queen and retinue competition and best crown bearer, while Buxton took the best flower girl trophy.

Horticultural Results:- Most points in flower and veg: D Lownds Best local flowers and veg: P and L Durber Most points in cookery and crafts: Alison Barber Best local cookery and crafts: Ruth Clowes Most points in Children's classes: Keziah Carter Most points sponsored dahlias: Graham Morley Novice class: Paul Grigg Floral art: Ellen Poole Best in Show: Ellen Poole Best in flowers: Graham Morley